Drilling device



Dec. 22, 1964 Filed Jan. 6, 1961 J. C. CURTIS DRILLING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORI JOHN C. CURTIS J. C. CURTIS DRILLING DEVICE Dec. 22, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 6, 1961 m6 R 8 Q. 8

INVENTOR: JOHN c. CURTIS )1 GENT BYZ-

Dec. 22, 1964 J. c. CURTIS DRILLINGDEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 6, 1961 United States Patent Ofiice 3,162,253 Patented Dec. 22, 1964 3,162,253 DRILLING DEVICE John C. Curtis, Newport, N.H., assignor to Joy Manufacturing Company, Pittsburgh, Pa, a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Jan. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 81,070 9 Claims. (Cl. 173-147) This invention relates to a drilling device and more particularly to a drilling device having improved tension control means for elongated flexible conducting means attached to a movable drill motor whereby a desired predetermined tension is maintained in the conducting means throughout the movement of the drill motor.

The present invention relates to improvements over the similar purpose structure shown and described in Patent No. 2,730,332, patented January 10, 1956, which structure typifies prior similar devices. Although the structure of the above patent is very satisfactory it is desirable that the reel over which the supply conductors are reversedly trained prior to their connection to the drill motor be positively driven with relation to the movement of the drill motor so that uniform tension is maintained in the supply conductors under all operating conditions. In addition it is desirable that the drill steel which is actuated by the drill motor be supported at its midpoint during the descent thereof by means of a centralizer which is positively moved with reference to the movement of the drill motor.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a new and improved drilling device having a hose reel which is driven in positive relationship with respect to a drill motor upon the driving of the drill motor.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved drilling device having a hose reel and drill centralizer driven in positive relationship with respect to a drill motor upon the driving of the drill motor.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a new and improved drilling device comprising a pair of chains movable in parallel orbits which chains are connected for simultaneous movement in the same reference direction at different speeds with one of the chains being employed to drive a drill motor and the other of the chains being employed to drive a hose reel.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved drilling device comprising a pair of chains movable in parallel orbits which chains are connected for simultaneous movement in the same reference direction at different speeds with one of the chains being employed to drive a drill motor and the other of the chains being employed to drive a hose reel and a centralizer located at opposite ends of the drill motor, respectively, at one half the lineal speed the drill motor is moved.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a drilling device constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention with a portion of the mobile side supports and frames being omitted,

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the drill guide frame portion of the drilling apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the drill guide frame portion shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of portions of the drill guide frame shown in FIG. 1, and

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the drill guide frame shown in FIG. 3 taken along the lines 55 thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1 the novel structure of this invention comprises providing an elongated drill guide frame for a track drill having a suitable drive motor 4 and a suitable rotatable cable reel 6 mounted on the drill guide frame for movement in opposite longitudinal directions on the frame in a positive relationship whereby the hoses trained by the reel 6 are under uniform tension for all operating positions of the drill. In addition a traveling centralizer 8 is also mounted on the frame for simultaneous identical movement with the reel 6 so that a drill steel 10 can be centrally supported at all times during its descent into a drilled hole.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the drill guide frame of this invention comprises a pair of elongated U-shaped channels 12 and 14 the bight portions 16 and 18 thereof, respectively, being parallel to each other in laterally spaced relationship. Channels 12 and 14 have parallel arms 20 and 22 which extend outwardly from the opposed surfaces of the bight portions 16 and 18, respectively. A pair of elongated loop chains 24 and 25 (shown in phantom only for simplicity of illustration) are suitably supported for orbital movement in laterally spaced parallel paths between the channels 12 and 14.

As shown, suitable shafts 28 and 30 are suitably rigidly secured to extend between the channels 12 and 14 in longitudinal spaced relationship therewith (see FIG. 5). Shafts 28 and 36 have suitable sprockets 32-34 suitably rotatably secured thereto, respectively, inwardly adjacent the bight portion 16 and about which the chain 24 is trained so as to be movable in an orbit inwardly adjacent the bight portion 16. A suitable reversible feed motor 36 is suitably rigidly supported on a suitable plate 37 which plate 37 is suitably rigidly supported on the outer surface of one pair of oppositely disposed arms 20 and 22 and is provided with a suitable rotatable sprocket 38 which engages a laterally outwardly extending reversibly bent portion 40 of the feed chain 24 in a manner as is well known in the art. In addition suitable idlers 42 are suitably supported between the channels 12 and 14 to properly train the feed chain 24 with respect to the sprocket 38 as is well known in the art. In order to provide means for rotatively and percussively actuating the elongated drill steel 10 the drill motor 4 is suitably rigidly secured to a plate 5 which plate 5 is suitably captively supported for longitudinal sliding movement with respect to the channels 12 and 14 on the arms 20, 22 thereof opposite the arms which support the feed motor 36. A suitable elongated rigid driving link 44 is suitably rigidly or captively secured at one end to the drill motor 4 with the other end being suitably rigidly or captively secured to the run of the chain 24 closest thereto so that movement of the drill motor 4 is effected directly by movement of the chain 24.

In a similar manner a suitable shaft 46 extends between and is rigidly secured to the channels 12 and 14 and is provided with a suitable rotatable sprocket 48 inwardly adjacent the bight portion 18. Similarly the shaft 28 is provided with a rotatable sprocket 54) in the same plane as the sprocket 48 adjacent the bight portion 18 with the chain 26 being looped about the sprockets 48 and 50 to travel in a plane inwardly adjacent the bight portion 18. The sprocket 50 is of a size so as to provide a two to one speed reduction with respect to the sprocket 32 so that the chain 26 moves at a lineal speed equal to one half the lineal speed at which the feed chain 24 is driven by the motor 36. As desired various suitable shafts and idler assemblies 52 may be provided between the channels 12 and 14 to guide the chains 24 and 26 and to hold the channels 12 and 14 rigidly apart. The rotatable pulley 6 and the centralizer 8 are suitably supported on suitable plates 7 and 9, respectively, which plates 7 and 9 are suitably captively supported for longitudinal slidable movement on the same arms 20, 22 as the drive motor 4. The pulley 6 and centralizer 8 are suitably connected by chain 25 closest thereto in the same manner as the link I 44 connects the motor 4 and the chain 24, so that the pulley 6 and the centralizer 8 have the same lineal movement on the'arms 20, 22 as the engaged run' of the chain. 26 has with respect thereto. 7 v 1 FIG. l illustrates the track drill of this invention with and a boom 86 hereinafter described in the horizontal operatingtposition and in order to describe the structure of this invention various components will be described with relation to such positions; however, it is to be realized that such description is for the purposes of clarity only.

It will be noted that the reel 6, motor4 and the centralizer 8 extend forwardly ofthe guide frame and that the reel 6 is located above the drill motor 4 and the centralizer 7 ported laterally forwardly of the drill guide frame to drill a suitable hole 60 forwardly of the lower end of the drill guide frame. It will be noted that the lower end of the drill guide frame is provided with suitable ground engaging means 62 whereby theweight of the drill guide frame and the components supported thereby are supported by the ground. The lower end of the guide/frameis provided with a suitable releasable centralizer 64 which engages, supports and guidesthe" drill steel at a location upwardly adjacent the hole 60. As is customary the drill steel 10 has a suitable drillbit 66 suitably secured to the lower end thereof for such drilling.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 it will be' noted that suitable fluid conducting conduits 68am provided which extend through suitable laterally aligned openings 70 in the bight portions 16 and 18 of the channels 12 and 14 with one end of the conduits 68 being suitably secured to suitable elongated hoses 72 respectively. As shown the conduits 68 extend between the runs of the chains 24 and 26 and if desired may berigidly secured to the channels 12 and 14. In the embodiment of the invention shown four hoses 72 are provided two of which function as the a structure of thisinvention and that varioustypes of flexible conductors may be supported. electric motor'for the drill motor 4 the structure of this inventionmay be employed to support flexible electrical In instances such as an merous axes and over the surface to be drilled.

V 4 terior of the drill steel 10 and flow downwardly therein to the bit 66. I

In order to accomplish drilling of a hole'at any desired angle in any desirable location the drill guide frame previously described is supported for movement about nul shown in FIG. 1, a track drill comprises a suitable pair the drill guide frame in the vertical operating position of elongated laterally spaced side supports 78 (only one of which is shown) having a cross frame 8% suitably secured therebetween. A suitable frame 82 is suitably secured to the frame 80 to'extend upwardly therefrom and to be pivotable about a vertical axiswith respect thereto.v The side supports 78Jarepeach provided with suitable orbitally movable ground engaging means 84, that is endless tracks, whereby the entire structure supported from the frame 82 is movable over the surface to be f position desired on extremely uneven terrain.

The drill guide frame previously described is supported forwardly of the forward. end of an elongated boom 86 t which extends forwardly from the forward portion of the frame 82; Such booms and their supports'are well known and it is'believed suflicient tomerely indicate that theboom 86 is pivotably secured at the rearward end to the frame 82 and is swingable in a horizontal plane by means of a suitable elongated extensible jack 88 having opposite ends; suitably pivotably secured to the boom 86 It will be appreciated that as many hoses 72 as desired-may be employed with'theadjacent its forward end-and to the frame 82 horizontally adjacent the pivot connection of the boom 86 thereto, respectively. Similarly the boom 86 is swingable in a verticalplane by means of a suitable elongated extensible jack 39 having opposite ends suitably pivotably secured to the boom 86 adjacent 'i-ts forward end and to the frame 82Ibelow the pivot connection of the boom 86 thereto, respectively. The forward end of the boom 86 suitably supports an upwardly and outwardly extending housing 90 which is pivotable about a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom 86. Housing 90 has laterally outwardly extending trunnions 92 which support spaced arms 92' of a generally U-shaped guide 24 'for vertical pivotal movement with respect thereto. The bight portion of guide 94 is suitably captively slidable over the rearward opposed arms 20 and 22 of the channels 12 and 14, [that is the arms 20 and 22' to which the feed motor 36 is secured. A suitable guide 96 is similarly captively slidably supported on the rearward opposed' arms 29 and 22 and is provided with 'a portion extending rearwardly therefrom which suitably pivotably supports one end of a suitable elongated extensiblejack 98 the other end of which is suitably supported by the housing 0 for pivotal movecables or lines for desirable purposes other than those able means for clamping the hoses 72 thereto. As shown,

the drum portion 76 of the reel 6 is of a length to closely receive the four hoses 72 therein and is' of a diameter so that the hoses 72 extend generally parallel to the guide frame between the drum portion 76 and the bracket 74.

The hoses 72 are reversedly bent about the drum portion 74 so as to provide downwardly extending ends which are ment in a vertical plane. Still another suitable elongated extensible jack 99 is provided having the ends suitably pivotably secured to the guide'94 and the guide 96, respectively, with the lowerend being horizontally offset with respect to the lower end of the jack 98 whereby the drill guide frame is pivotable about a lateral, axis thereof.

As more completely described in copending application Serial No. 123,821, filed July 13, 1961, by John C. Curtis entitled Control Support, and now abandoned, which application has been assigned to thesame assignee as this invention, an elongatedcontrolarm'97 is suitably secured at one end to the frame'82 to extend forwardly thereof 1 and bepivotable with respect thereto in a horizontal suitably secured to the'drill motor 4 to provide the proper connection thereto. It will be realized that a conventional drill motor 4 employs suitable passageways therethrough so that'coolant can flowtherethrough to the hollow in plane. Although the control arm'97 is shown herein, such structurerepresents a subsequent improvement over the original structure incorporating the structure of this invention. Suitable latching means are provided between the arm 97 and the frame 82 whereby the free end of the arm Q7 is securable at any desired position with respect to the drill guide frame throughout the arcuate travel of the arm 97. As many control headers 93, illustratively two, each having, a'suitable plurality of suitable fluid flow control valves 91 thereon are provided at the free end of the arm 95 whereby the operator of the drill can operate any actuat able portion of the drill as desired. Although not shown for clairity of illustration it Will be realized that suitable control lines under the control of respective values 91 are connected to the headers 93 and the actuatable components to be controlled. Thus one valve 91 and associated control lines are employed to actuate the jack 88 whereby the boom 36 is horizontally swingable. Another valve 91 and associated control lines are employed to actuate the jack 89 whereby the boom 86 is vertically swingable. Another valve 91 and associated control lines are employed to actuate the jack t3 whereby the guide frame is pivotable about the trunnions 92. Still another control valve 91 and associated control lines are employed to actuate the jack $9 whereby the drill guide frame is pivotable about a lateral axis thereof. It wil be appreciated that various combinations of such move ments can be obtained as desired.

Still another control valve 91 and associated control lines are employed to actuate tne drive motor as for rotation in either direction and four other control valves 91 are connected to the ends of the conduits es connected to the hoses '72 whereby the flow of fluid through the hoses '72 is controlled by the operator. It will be noted in the embodiment shown that the control arm 86 is located to one side of the guide frame and that the hoses 72 extend from the other side thereof to the reel 6. Such a construction facilitates the use of the controls as the hoses 72 are not in the operators way or line of vision to the hole 66 during operation. Accordingly, conduits 6% have been provided through the channels 12 and 14 to permit control lines to extend from the control headers 93 to the conduits 68 and from the conduits 68 to the drill motor 4. Such a construction is additionally quite desirable from a manufacturing standpoint in that the guide frame can be shipped completely independent of the track unit; however, it will readily be appreciated that such desired structure is not essential to carry out the purposes of this invention and that if desired the hoses can be connected directly from the headers 93 to the bracket 74 around the reel 6 to the drill motor 4.

Assuming the drill is in the position shown in FIG. 1, it will be realized that upon operation of the proper valve 91 that coolant will flow through the desired hose 72 to the drill steel 1t Upon actuation of the proper valve 91 to drive the sprocket 33 of the feed motor 36 in a clockwise direction (with reference to FIG. 4) the chain 24 moves in a clockwise orbit with the forward run thereof moving upwardly (with reference to FIG. 2). Accordingly, the drill motor 4, through the connection of link 44, will move upwardly on the forward arms 2%, 22 of the drill guide frame. At the same time the clockwise orbiting of the chain 24 drives the sprocket 32 in a clockwise direction (with reference to FlG. 4) and consequently the sprocket 5th is driven in a clockwise direction (with reference to FIG. 4). Such clockwise movement of sprocket 5d causes the chain as to be driven in a clockwise orbit (with reference to FIG. 4) so that the forward run moves upwardly (with reference to FIG. 1). Consequently through the links 54 and 56 the reel 6 and the centralizer 8 are driven upwardly at a speed half of the lineal speed of the drill motor 4.

Noting first the reel 6, since the hoses 72 are reversedly bent around the reel 6 with their one ends held stationary with respect to the drill guide frame and their other ends secured to the drill motor 4 for each unit of upward movement of the drill motor 4 it is only necessary for the reel 6 to move upwardly for one half of the distance of such unit to maintain the same tension in each of the hoses. Noting the centralizer 8, it is desired that the centralizer 8 be located at the midpoint of the portion of the drill steel 18 between the chuck 58 and the centralizer 64. Accordingly, for each unit of upward movement of the drill motor 4- the cenployed traiizer 8 moves upwardly only one half of such unit and thereby remains in the desired midpoint of the drill steel. It will be obvious that upon reversal of the feed motor 36 the reverse movements occur. Of particular importance with reference to this invention is the fact that such ratios of movements are positively maintained at all times due to the positive connection between the chains 24 and 26 and the components connected thereto, respectively.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the shaft 28 is located longitudinally inwardly adjacent the upper end of the grill guide frame and the shafts 30 and 46 are located longitudinally inwardly upwardly of the lower end of the drill guide frame so that the chains 24 and 2 6 orbit throughout substantially the entire length of the drill guide frame. As a practical matter orbiting chains are desired due to their simplicity of maintenance and operation; however, it will be appreciated that since only the forward runs of the chains 24 and 26 are necessary to drive the drill motor 4, reel 6 and centralizer 8 if desired the rearward run can be eliminated and an oscillating chain can be employed which is wound and unwound upon oppositely disposed ends thereof. Nor is it necessary to employ a chain in order to achieve the benefits of this invention and, if desired, other flexible means may be employed such as cables having the links 44, 5d and 5s suitably secured thereto so as to obtain the desired described movement of the drill motor 4, reel 6 and centralizer 8. The centralizer 8 is of any suitable structure and as shown in FIGURE 4 comprises a generally hook shaped member which is engageable with the outer periphery of the drill string 10 upon rotation of the drill string llti so as to support the drill string it during the drilling operation. Also in this description a standard drill motor 4 has been referred to and the hoses 72 have been described as fluid conducting hoses. It is to be realized that with a standard drill motor the motor portion thereof may be a hydraulic type which requires both a supply and exhaust line or may be an air motor requiring both a supply and eX- haust line or in some instances only a supply line. At the same time the hoses '72 employed for conducting actuating fluids may conduct either air or hydraulic fluid. As indicated flexible electrical lines are similarly emif electrical actuating means are employed. It will be appreciated that the particular drill motor 4 employed and the fluid conducted by the hoses 72 is dependent upon the design of the track drill and for many operating conditions various types of drill motors and supply fluids may be employed.

FlGURE 5 illustrates one structure for suitably slidably supporting the structures heretofore described as so supported such as the cable reel 6 to the channels 12 and 14. As shown, in FIGURE 5 the plate 7 extends transverscly across the forward pair of opposed arms 20 and 22 of the channels 12 and M, respectively, and is spaced forwardly therefrom by means of generally L-shaped bearing plates 61 extending inwardly from the sides of the plate 7, respectively. Each plate 61 has the short leg thereof eng-ageable with the inner surfaces of the bight portions to and 18 whereby lateral movement of the plate 7 with respect to the guide frame is prevented. Suitable clamping members 63 are located rearwardly of the bearing plates 61, respectivley, which members 63 are suitably rigidly secured to the plate 7 in any suitable manner such as by bolt and nut assemblies 65 whereby the bearing plates are suitably secured between the plate 7 and the arms 29 and 22. Members 63 each have a portion extending below the rearward surfaces of the forward arms 2d and 22 whereby the entire assembly 7 is captively retained on the forward arms 2 and 22.

FIG. 5 further shows the shaft 28 extending through the bight portions 15 and 18 or" the channels 12 and 14 and is suitably rigidly secured thereto by suitable nut assemblies 67 engaging the outer ends thereof and the outer surfaces of the bight'portionslo and 13, respectively. A suitable cylindrical sleeve bearing 69 is located on the outer surface of the shaft 28 between the bight portions 16 and 18 which rotatively supports the sprockets 32 and t) which are formed from an integral casting. p 7

Thus it will be noted that with applicants invention i amazes I at all times the reel 6 and the centralizer 3 are driven a at half the speed as that of the drill motor so as to insure that the proper tension exists in the hoses 72 at all times and toinsure that the centralizer 8 is at the desired midpoint of the drill string 10. In viewof such positive driving of the reel 6 and the centralizer 3 accurnuiations of dirt on the reel 6 or between'the centralizer S and the drillstring 10 which would tend to bind the reel 6 or the drill steel 10 will not cause interference with the operation. Having. described a preferred embodimentof this invention in accordance'W-ith the patent statutes, it is to be realized that modifications thereof may be made without departing from the broad spirit Accordingly, it is respectmeans connected to said drill guide frame and being cooperable with said elements for circulating said elements relativejto said drill guide frame in longitudinally extending and laterally spaced orbits withone of said elements circulating at one half the orbital speed of the other of said elements, a drilling motor mounted for longitudinal movement on and relative to said guideframe and being'secured to the other element of said flexible elements having the higher orbital speed, elongated flexible 'pressuref fluid conducting means secured adjacent one end of said drill guide frame and connected to said drilling motor, reel means mounted between said drilling motor and the other end of said drill guide frame for longitudinal movement on and relative to said drill guide frame with said reel means being operativelyconnected to said one flexible element having the slower orbital speed, and said pressure fluid conducting means intermediate said drilling motor and said one end of said drill' guide being trained about said reel means. 7 V

2. A drilling apparatus comprising, an elongated drill guide frame, a pair of flexible means, means connected to said drill guide frame cooperable with said flexible means for simultaneously circulating said flexible means relative to said drill guide frame'along longitudinal and laterally spaced paths with one of said flexible meansibeing moved at one half the speed of the other of said flexible means, a drilling motor mounted for longitudinal movement on and relative to said guide frame and being secured to said other flexible means having the higher speed, elongated flexible energy conducting means fixed with respect to and 7 adjacent one end of said drill guide frame andconnected to said drilling motor, reel means mounted'between said drilling motor and the other end of said drill guide frame for reversible longitudinal movement relative to said drill v "8' cured to said other flexible. means having the higher speed, elongated flexibleenergy conducting means fixed with respect to and adjacent one end of said drill guide frame and connected to said drilling motor, reel means mounted between said drilling motor and the other end of said drill guide frame for reversible longitudinal movement relative to said drill guide frame with said reel means being operatively connected to said one flexible means having the slowerspeed, said energy conducting means intermediate said drilling motor and said one end of said drill guide being reversibly trained about said reel means, a drill steel centralizer mounted on said guide frame for reversible longitudinal movement thereon between said one end of said drill, frame and said drilling motor, and means for securing said centralizer to said one flexible means having the slower speed.

4. A drilling apparatus comprising, an elongated drill guide frame, a pair of drive means, means supported with respect to said drill guide frame and cooperable with said drive means for simultaneously circulating said drivemeans relative to said guide frame along longitudinally extending and laterally spaced'pathswith one of said drive ,means being moved at one half the speed of the other of said drive means, a drilling motor mounted for longitudinal'movement on and relative to said guide frameand being operatively connected to said other drive means having the higher speed, reel means mounted on said guide a frame for longitudinal movement thereon, said reel means the guide frame.

being operatively connected to said one drive means, and

, at least one elongated energy conducting means having an intermediate portion thereof trained about said reel means with one of the ends thereof being connected to said drilling motor and the other end thereof fixed with respect to 5. A reeling device for supply conductors to a drill actuating mechanism comprising; an elongated guide member having a forward and a rearward end; means mounted on and movable between said ends relative to said guide member for actuating a hole forming device; flexible confirst mentioned means and the-rearward end of said guide frame for: maintaining a predetermined tension on said flexibleconduit means; a drill steel centralizer mounted on and longitudinally movable along said guide member between said first mentioned means and the forward end I of said guide member for supporting a drill steel, reversguide frame withsaid reel means being operatively', connected to said one flexible meanshaving the slower speed, and said energy conducting means intermediate said drilling motor and said one end of said drill guide being re.-

versibly trained about said r'eel means.

for simultaneously circulating said flexible means relative to said drill guide frame along longitudinaland laterally spaced pathswith one of said flexible means being moved,

at one half the speed of the other/of said flexible means,

a drilling motor mounted for reversible longitudinal. movement on and relative to said guide frame and being se- 'iblerotatable means supported by said guide member; support means mounted on said guidemember; driving means supported by said guide member, and said driving means being operativelyconnected to said reversible rotatable means, said support means, said first mentioned means, said training device and said centralizer for moving said first mentioned means, said training device and said centralizer relative to said guide member in either of opposite longitudinal directions with said first mentioned means having a lineal speed twice as great as a lineal speed of said training device and said centralizer.

6. A'drilling apparatus comprising, an elongated drill guide frame, a pair of drive means, means supported with respect to said drill guide frame and cooperable with said drive :means for simultaneously circulating said drive means relative to said guide frame along longitudinally extendingand laterally spaced paths with one of said 'drive means being moved' at one half the speed of the other of said drive means, a drillingmotor mounted for longitudinal movement on and relative to said guide frame and beingoperatively connected to said other drive means having the higher speed, reel means mounted on said guide frame for longitudinal movement'thereon, said reel means being operatively connected to said onedrive means at least one elongated energy conducting means having an intermediate portion thereof trained about said reel means with one of the ends thereof being connected to said drilling motor and the other end thereof fixed with respect to the guide frame, and a drill steel centralizer operatively connected to said one drive means.

7. A reeling device for supply conductors to a drill actuating mechanism comprising; an elongated guide member having a forward and a rearward end; means mounted on and longitudinally movable between said ends relative to said guide member for actuating a hole forming device, a plurality of flexible conduits having a portion thereof secure-d adjacent to the forward end and extending toward the rearward end of said guide frame with ends thereof operatively connected to said first mentioned means; a

training device for said flexible conduits mounted on and longitudinally movable along said guide frame between said first mentioned means and the rearward end of said guide frame for maintaining a predetermined tension on said flexible conduits; reversible rotatable means supported by said guide member; support means mounted on said guide member; driving means supported by said guide member; and said driving means being operatively connected to said reversible rotatable means, said first mentioned means, said support means, and said training device for moving said first mentioned means and said training device relative to said guide member in either of opposite longitudinal directions with said first mentioned means having a lineal speed twice as great as a lineal speed of said training device.

8. A drilling apparatus comprising, an elongated drill guide frame, a pair of drive chains, means supported at least in part by said guide frame and cooperable with said drive means for simultaneously circulating said drive chains relative to said guide frame along longitudinally extending and laterally spaced paths with one of said drive chains being moved at one half the speed of the other of said drive chains, a drilling motor mounted for longitudinal movement on and relative to said guide frame and being operatively connected to said other drive chain having the higher speed, reel means mounted on said guide frame for longitudinal movement thereon, said reel means being operatively connected to said one drive chain, and at least one elongated flexible hose having an intermediate portion thereof trained about said reel means with one of the ends thereof being connected to said drilling motor and the other end thereof fixed with respect to the guide frame.

9. Drilling apparatus comprising, an elongated guide frame, a pair of endless flexible elements, means mounted on said guide frame and engageable with said flexible elements for supporting said flexible elements for simultaneous movement with relation to said guide frame in fixed longitudinally extending and laterally spaced orbits with one of said flexible elements being movable at twice the orbital speed of the other of said flexible elements, means supported by said guide frame for driving one of said flexible elements, a drilling motor mounted for longitudinal movement on and relative to said guide frame and being secured to said one flexible element having the higher orbital speed, elongated flexible pressure fluid conducting means secured adjacent one end of said drill guide frame and connected to said drilling motor, reel means mounted between said drilling motor and the other end of said drill guide frame for longitudinal movement on and relative to said drill guide frame with said reel means being operatively connected to said other flexible element having the slower orbital speed, and said pressure fluid conducting means intermediate said drilling motor and said one end of said drill guide being trained about said reel means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. DRILLING APPARATUS COMPRISING, AN ELONGATED DRILL GUIDE FRAME, A PAIR OF ELONGATED ENDLESS FLEXIBLE ELEMENTS, MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID DRILL GUIDE FRAME AND BEING COOPERABLE WITH SAID ELEMENTS FOR CIRCULATING SAID ELEMENTS RELATIVE TO SAID DRILL GUIDE FRAME IN LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING AND LATERALLY SPACED ORBITS WITH ONE OF SAID ELEMENTS CIRCULATING AT ONE HALF THE ORBITAL SPEED OF THE OTHER OF SAID ELEMENTS, A DRILLING MOTOR MOUNTED FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT ON AND RELATIVE TO SAID GUIDE FRAME AND BEING SECURED TO THE OTHER ELEMENT OF SAID FLEXIBLE ELEMENTS HAVING THE HIGHER ORBITAL SPEED, ELONGATED FLEXIBLE PRESSURE FLUID CONDUCTING MEANS SECURED ADJACENT ONE END OF SAID DRILL GUIDE FRAME AND CONNECTED TO SAID DRILLING MOTOR, REEL MEANS MOUNTED BETWEEN SAID DRILLING MOTOR AND THE OTHER END OF SAID DRILL GUIDE FRAME FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT ON AND RELATIVE TO SAID DRILL GUIDE FRAME WITH SAID REEL MEANS BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID ONE FLEXIBLE ELEMENT HAVING THE SLOWER ORBITAL SPEED, AND SAID PRESSURE FLUID CONDUCTING MEANS INTERMEDIATE SAID DRILLING MOTOR AND SAID ONE END OF SAID DRILL GUIDE BEING TRAINED ABOUT SAID REEL MEANS. 